BIOLOGY
Dr. James Engman, Chair; Ms. Benjamin, Dr. Bray, Dr. J. Dunn, Dr. Finley, Dr. Guyer, Dr. Serviss, Ms. Smith, Dr. Tumlison
The Department of Biology offers courses designated to meet the needs of students preparing for professional careers in industry,
government, and education; and to provide a strong foundation for students preparing for graduate work. Courses that develop an
understanding and appreciation of the living world as a part of a liberal education are provided for all students. Appropriate courses are also
offered to meet requirements for pre-professional work in pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy, pre-veterinary, and
other paramedical areas.
Major Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree
Highly Recommended Courses:
BIO 1013 Introduction to Biology
CHM 1034 General Chemistry for Non-Majors
CHM 1044 General Organic and Biochemistry
Required Courses:
BIO 2104 General Botany
BIO 2114 General Zoology
BIO 3054 Genetics
BIO 3094 Microbiology
BIO 3524 General Ecology
BIO 4214 Cell Biology
Choose one of the following:
BIO 3304 Plant Physiology
BIO 3314 Animal Physiology
Choose one of the following:
BIO 3084 Comparative Anatomy and Evolution of Vertebrates
BIO 3244 Comparative Morphology and Evolution of Plants
A minimum of two additional upper-level courses in biology must be selected. These may be from the courses listed above or
others listed in the Henderson catalog. Two semesters of Human Anatomy and Physiology will satisfy one of these requirements.
BIO 4251, BIO 4373, and BIO 4823 may not be used for this requirement.
Total hours required for a major in biology: 38-40
Additional requirements:
CHM 1014, 1024 University Chemistry
CHM 3063, 3073 Organic Chemistry I and II
CHM 3051, 3131 Organic Chemistry I and II Lab
MTH 1243, 1253 College Algebra and Plane Trigonometry or more
advanced courses, with approval
PHY 2034, 2044 General Physics I and II
Students must have a “C” grade or better in all courses in the major field and also in the courses listed as “additional requirements.”
The biology department highly recommends that students achieve competence in the use of computers for word processing, graph and
spreadsheet construction, and PowerPoint presentations before enrolling in upper-level courses. Students should consider enrolling in
Introduction to Computers (CSC 2003) if their background in computer use is weak.
Transfer Credits:
Transfer students must successfully complete three upper-level biology courses at Henderson before biology courses taken elsewhere will be
considered for transfer to their degree program here. A science course taken elsewhere as freshman/sophomore class but offered at
Henderson as junior/senior class may be applied to the degree, upon substitution of a junior/senior class agreed upon by the department and
the student. Students already enrolled in the program should consult with the department prior to enrolling in science courses at other
institutions.
Registration Policy:
Priority registration for major’s courses will be reserved for students enrolling in those courses for the first time. Biology majors wishing to
repeat a course in biology must wait until the end of priority registration to enroll in that class. This includes courses that were completed
and courses in which the student withdrew or was dropped. Students with extenuating circumstances may petition the department for waiver
of this requirement.
Standardized Examination:
In their final semester, students are required to achieve a department mandated score on a standardized examination.
Articulation agreement with Logan College of Chiropractic (3+3 Program)
Henderson State University and Logan College of Chiropractic (LCC) have established an articulation agreement that provides qualified
students with the opportunity to earn a B.S. in Biology and a Doctorate of Chiropractic in six years, one year less than the normal time.
Students will matriculate at HSU for a minimum of 96 semester hours, during which they will fulfill the Liberal Arts Core, 7 specified
biology courses, and an additional 27 hours in specified chemistry, physics and math courses. No more than 20 credits of required courses,
and none of the science credits may be earned via examination or transfer from another school. Logan has agreed to admit as first year
doctorate of chiropractic students all Henderson students who complete this program with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher. Students with
a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 but less than 3.25 will receive appropriate consideration in the admission process, but will not receive the
assurance of admission. Upon completion of the first year of studies at LCC, credits may be transferred toward the completion of the B.S. in
Biology degree at HSU. Students interested in this program are encouraged to consult with the chair of the biology department for a
complete set of provisions.
Requirements for a Minor in Biology
Required Courses:
BIO 2104 General Botany
BIO 2114 General Zoology
In addition to the two courses above, students must choose any three of the following courses to complete a minor in
biology:
BIO 3054 Genetics
BIO 3544 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BIO 3084 Comparative Anatomy & Evolution of Vertebrates
BIO 3244 Comparative Morphology & Evolution of Plants
BIO 3094 Microbiology
BIO 3524 General Ecology
BIO 4214 Cell Biology
Total hours required for a minor in Biology 20
Courses in Biology
BIO 1013. Introduction to Biology. A general education course. A study of basic biological concepts and principles. Offered as separate
non-majors and majors sections.
BIO 1021. Introduction to Biology Laboratory. Experiments are performed to demonstrate the principles covered in BIO 1013. Two
hours per week. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 1013.
BIO 2104. General Botany. The study of biological principles and concepts applied to plants. Three hours of lecture and three hours of
laboratory per week.
BIO 2114. General Zoology. The study of animal relationships, with emphasis on principles, anatomy and ecology. Three (3) hours lecture
and three (3) hours laboratory per week.
BIO 2174. Human Anatomy and Physiology I, (non-majors). A study of the structures and functions of human body systems. Three (3)
hours lecture and three (3) hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO 2114 or BIO 1013 and BIO 1021.
BIO 2184. Human Anatomy and Physiology II, (non-majors). A continuation of BIO 2174. Three (3) hours lecture and three (3) hours
laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO 2114 or BIO 1013 and BIO 1021. BIO 2174 recommended.
BIO 2283. Environmental Science. A study of how ecosystems function in terms of nutrient cycles, energy flow, and population dynamics,
with considerations of imbalances in various areas of human concern such as agriculture, resource utilization, waste disposal, energy sources,
and the human population.
BIO 3054. (WI) Genetics. A study of transmission genetics followed by molecular genetics. Three (3) hours lecture and (3) three hours
laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO 2104 or 2114.
BIO 3084. Comparative Anatomy and Evolution of Vertebrates. Traces the evolutionary history of vertebrate animals through a
comparative analysis of chordate anatomy with emphasis on the ten organ systems. Three (3) hours lecture and three (3) hours laboratory per
week. Prerequisite: BIO 2114.
BIO 3094. (WI) Microbiology. A comprehensive study of microorganisms with emphasis on conceptual and applied microbiology. Three
(3) hours lecture and (3) three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisites: 4 hours of biology and 4 hours of chemistry. Biology majors must
complete either BIO 2104 or 2114 prior to enrolling in this course.
BIO 3244. (WI) Comparative Morphology and Evolution of Plants. Traces the evolutionary history of the plant kingdom through a
comparative study of the structure and life cycles of representatives of the major groups of plants. Three (3) hours lecture and (3) three hours
laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO 2104.
BIO 3294. Plant Taxonomy. A study of basic principles and concepts of plant identification, classification and nomenclature. Laboratory
and field emphasis on the description and identification of representatives of major families of vascular plants. Prerequisite: BIO 2104.
BIO 3304. (WI) Plant Physiology. A study of plant processes including photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, translocation, mineral
nutrition, plant growth hormones, water relationships, and growth and development. Three (3) hours lecture and three (3) hours laboratory
per week. Prerequisites: BIO 2104; CHM 1014 and 1024.
BIO 3314. Animal Physiology. A study of the functions of animal systems with emphasis on the human. Three (3) hours lecture and three
(3) hours laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIO 2114 and BIO 3544 or BIO 3084; CHM 1014, 1024.
BIO 3403. (WI) Herpetology. A comprehensive study of reptiles and amphibians with emphasis on specimens collected and studied in the
field. Two (2) hours lecture and two (2) hours field or laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO 2114.
BIO 3444. (WI) Parasitology. Studies concerning morphology, systematics, and life histories of parasitic animals emphasizing the nature,
evolution, and physiology of host-parasite relationships. Three (3) hours lecture and three (3) hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO
2114.
BIO 3493. Biogeography. An in-depth study and evaluation of the factors affecting the geographic distribution of life on earth. Primary
emphasis will be placed on climatic, geologic, and human influence. Dispersal mechanisms, speciation, biodiversity, and evolutionary
history will also be investigated. Prerequisite: BIO 2104 and BIO 2114.
BIO 3524. (WI) General Ecology. A study of principles of ecosytem structure and dynamics including energy flow, biogeochemical
cycling, community composition and succession, and the distribution and abundance of populations. Includes laboratory and field
experiences with ecological problems. Two Saturday field trips required. Prerequisites: BIO 2104 and 2114.
BIO 3544. Human Anatomy and Physiology I (Majors). A study of the structures and functions of human body systems. Three (3) hours
lecture and three (3) hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO 2114 or BIO 1013 and BIO 1021.
BIO 3554. Human Anatomy and Physiology II (Majors). A continuation of BIO 3544. Three (3) hours lecture and three (3) hours
laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO 2114 or BIO 1013 and BIO 1021. BIO 3544 recommended.
BIO 4033. (WI) Ornithology. Taxonomic, behavioral, and ecological aspects of birds occurring in the local fauna. Two (2) hours lecture
and two (2) hours field or laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO 2114.
BIO 4044. (WI) Neotropical Ecology. This course introduces students to the history, ecology, and evolution of ecosystems of the New
World tropics, with emphasis on the Isthmus of Panama. Includes a strenuous and challenging three-week field component in Panama, with
fieldwork in the Caribbean Sea, the Pacific Ocean, and rainforest sites near the Panama Canal and a cloud forest site in the Darien Province.
Prerequisites: BIO 2104 and BIO 2114, ability to swim, ride horses, and consent of the instructor. This course satisfies the liberal arts core
physical education activity requirement.
BIO 4073. Dendrology. A study of woody plants of the local flora with emphasis on field identification, classification, and economic
importance. Two (2) hours lecture and two (2) hours field or laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO 2104.
BIO 4163. (WI) Entomology. A study of morphology, taxonomy, and metamorphosis of insects and related arthropods. Two (2) hours
lecture and two (2) hours field or laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO 2114.
BIO 4194. Animal Histology. The study of the microscopic anatomy and function of animal tissues with emphasis on the human. Three (3)
hours lecture and (3) three hours laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIO 2114, CHM 1014, 1024, and either BIO 3544, 3084, or 3314.
BIO 4203. (WI) Aquatic Ecology. A study of the structure and function of freshwater ecosystems, with emphasis on the dynamics of their
physical, chemical and biological components. Two (2) hours lecture and two (2) hours field or laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIO 2114,
CHM 1014 and 1024.
BIO 4214. (WI) Cell Biology. The molecular biology of the cell with emphasis on structure-function relationships. Three (3) hours lecture
and three (3) hours laboratory per week. Prerequisites: eight hours of biology and CHM 1014, 1024, or consent of the instructor.
BIO 4223. (WI) Ichthyology. A comprehensive study of freshwater fishes and their food with emphasis on taxonomy, ecology and
management. Two (2) hours lecture and two (2) hours field or laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO 2114.
BIO 4233. Mycology. A study of the biology of the fungi including economic relationships. Two (2) hours lecture and (2) two hours
laboratory or field per week. Prerequisite: BIO 2104 or consent of the instructor.
BIO 4251. Biological Laboratory Techniques. For majors only. Experience is given in planning and assisting in laboratory courses.
Prerequisite: Consent of department. May be repeated once.
BIO 4273. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems. Geographic information systems (GIS) use computers to capture, store,
retrieve, analyze, manipulate and display spatial data. This course introduces students to GIS, with an emphasis on environmental
applications. A “hands-on” approach is taken, and the majority of the course is devoted to developing skills in using GIS to solve problems.
Includes image processing, cartographic modeling, map algebra, multi-criteria evaluation, multiple regression, and geostatistics.
Prerequisites: BIO 2104, BIO 2114, and MTH 1243 or higher.
BIO 4324. (WI) Tropical Marine Biology. A field course emphasizing study of tropical marine animals and plants, with extensive study of
the diverse organisms of reefs, tide pools, and mangroves. Includes a field component in Belize. Prerequisites: BIO 2104 and BIO 2114,
ability to swim, and consent of instructor.
BIO 4331-3. Independent Study. Study under the direct supervision of a faculty member. May be repeated. Requires chair’s approval.
BIO 4343. Phycology. A study of the taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and economic importance of freshwater algae. Two (2) hours lecture
and two (2) hours laboratory or field per week. Prerequisite: BIO 2104.
BIO 4353. (WI) Mammalogy. A study of the classification, ecology, natural history, economic importance, techniques and methods of
collection, identification, and preservation of mammals. Two (2) hours lecture and two (2) hours field or laboratory per week. Prerequisite:
BIO 2114.
BIO 4371-3. Independent Research. Study of a contemporary biological problem under the direct supervision of a faculty member. A
written scientific paper is required. Prerequisites: Twenty hours of biology and consent of the instructor. May not substitute for any core
requirement. May be repeated once.
BIO 4503. Behavioral Ecology. A study of how interactions with other organisms and the environment drive the evolution of adaptive
behaviors. Behaviors that are manifest in the biology of animals such as life history, reproduction, resource acquisition, sociality, and
survival will be examined. Two (2) hours lecture and two (2) hours field or laboratory per week. Prerequisite: BIO 3524.
BIO 4533. Local Cryptogamic Flora. A field study of stoneworts, liverworts, hornworts, mosses, ferns, and fern allies in the local area.
Includes identification, distribution, ecology, and collecting techniques. Prerequisite: BIO 2104.